Linda Mwananchi hits out at CoG over silence on Natembeya, Mwangaza attacks

Linda Mwananchi hits out at CoG over silence on Natembeya, Mwangaza attacks

The movement associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna accused the CoG of failing to speak against what it described as political persecution, saying its silence in the face of the reported incidents was unacceptable.

Linda Mwananchi movement has hit out at the Council of Governors (CoG) over its silence following reported attacks on former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, demanding that the Council speak out against threats and intimidation targeting serving and former governors.

In a statement on Wednesday, the movement associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna accused the Council of failing to speak against what it described as political persecution, saying its silence in the face of the reported incidents was unacceptable.

"The Council must speak out against political persecution and defend the safety and dignity of serving and former governors, regardless of their political affiliation. Its silence in the face of these attacks is unacceptable," it said.

The movement's remarks come after Mwangaza was reportedly attacked on Tuesday during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Githongo Market in Imenti Central, where her vehicles were reportedly damaged, equipment stolen, and several members of her staff injured.

Mwangaza claimed that a group blocked her delegation from accessing the stadium where the celebrations were taking place. Photos and videos shared on her social media pages showed a vehicle from her convoy with visible damage.

She said members and supporters of the Umoja na Maendeleo Party were also affected by the confrontation, during which a vehicle was reportedly stoned and one person was injured and taken to hospital.

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Mwangaza accused police of failing to act despite allegedly knowing about plans for the confrontation.

“The plans were well known to the police, but they ignored,” she claimed.

Before the incident, the former governor had warned of an alleged plan to gather people, some reportedly armed with pangas, and transport them towards Meru town along the Maua–Meru route.

“...sponsored goons on a mission to kill Kawira Mwangaza...,” she said in a warning posted online.

Mwangaza later called on the National Police Service (NPS) to investigate the incidents impartially, identify those responsible and ensure they face the law. She also urged security agencies to protect Githongo residents from further violence, saying political differences should be resolved through dialogue.

Linda Mwananchi said Mwangaza had been invited to the celebrations by the County Commissioner and had every right to attend the national event without facing violence or intimidation.

“Mwangaza had been invited to the celebrations by the County Commissioner. Beyond that invitation, she had every right as a Kenyan to attend a public national celebration without being subjected to violence and intimidation. Mashujaa Day belongs to all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliation,” the movement said.

Linda Mwananchi also raised concern over an earlier incident reported by Mwangaza at Gituine Village in Igembe Central on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

It called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into both incidents, insisting that those responsible must be held accountable.

“The continued use of sponsored goons to attack and intimidate opposition leaders and their supporters must stop. We demand prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into yesterday's attack and the earlier incidents reported by Kawira Mwangaza. Those responsible must be brought to book,” the movement said.

Mwangaza became Meru's first female governor after winning the 2022 General Election on an independent ticket, defeating former governor Kiraitu Murungi and then-Senator Mithika Linturi.

She had earlier lost a bid for the Buuri parliamentary seat in 2013 before winning the Meru Woman Representative seat in 2017. Her grassroots support grew through community initiatives, including Operation Okolea, which helped vulnerable families.

Her time as governor was marked by repeated disputes with the Meru County Assembly, which initiated impeachment proceedings against her over allegations including gross misconduct, constitutional violations and abuse of office.

She survived two attempts before the Senate upheld a third impeachment motion in August 2024. The High Court dismissed her challenge to the removal on March 14, 2025, and her former deputy, Isaac Mutuma, succeeded her.

Mwangaza has remained active in Meru politics ahead of the 2027 General Election and recently aligned herself with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which is associated with leaders challenging the direction of the country's current political establishment.